Kao Salon Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Conroy as Head of Global Education for its portfolio of professional salon brands. With more than two decades of experience in education strategy and creative development across the professional beauty industry, Conroy brings her years of expertise to the Global Education Team beginning in April 2025.

Based in the U.S., Conroy began her career as a stylist in the film industry before joining L’Oréal Group in 2006. There, she held leadership positions across Redken, Pureology, Matrix and Biolage, eventually rising to Vice President of Global Education for Matrix and Biolage. In this capacity she oversaw a team of more than 3,000 educators across 53 countries. Most recently, Conroy served as Executive Director of Global Omnichannel Education for Bumble and bumble, an Estée Lauder Company, where she drove the brand’s global education strategy, artistic development, and digital transformation efforts.

“Kelly’s vast industry knowledge, coupled with her forward-thinking, inclusive approach to education, and proven track record in developing high-performing global teams, make her an exceptional leader for this next chapter,” says Christian Melcher, VP and Global CMO, Kao Salon Division. “We are extremely confident in her ability to elevate our Global Education strategy and further strengthen the Kao Salon brands’ position as innovators in the professional salon space.”

Conroy envisions a global education ecosystem that fosters an inclusive community for stylists of all generations. Her focus is on mentoring and supporting the next wave of talent - ensuring they have the sponsorship, tools, and opportunities to thrive in their careers.

Passionate about blending digital and live experiential learning, Conroy is committed to meeting stylists where they are - whether in the salon, at home, or on the go. By leveraging AI, social media, and real-time educational experiences, she aims to build a dynamic, connected learning environment that inspires transformation and fosters personal and professional growth.

Believing in the responsibility of manufacturers to help shape careers, Conroy underscores the importance of offering stylists the opportunities to refine their craft - both behind the chair and within the brand. Having started her own journey in education, she is deeply committed to guiding others who are eager to follow a similar path.

“I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of Head of Global Education for the Kao Salon Division,” said Conroy. “These brands have shaped generations of stylists and set the standard for beauty and innovation. We’re at a turning point where tradition meets transformation - and it’s time to reimagine how we educate, inspire, and empower salon professionals globally.”

Conroy will be based in the United States and work closely with regional and global teams to shape the future of Kao Salon Education around the world.

About Kao Salon Division

Kao Salon Division is part of the Skin Care and Hair Care Business of Kao Corporation, offering professional products and services to stylists around the globe. It is a thought and trend leader in the hair care industry as well as home to the Goldwell, KMS, Oribe and Varis brands. The mission of Kao Salon Division is to make life beautiful for salons, stylists and their clients through partnership, commitment to sustainable practices, salon business growth and a portfolio of advanced services, innovative products and inspiring education.